Course Content
The programme will emphasise the development of analytical and critical skills and on problem identification and analysis within a Biomedical Sciences context. You will be taught by a team of experienced academics, researchers and professionally qualified staff. A number of the teaching team are also HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists.
Core modules are as follows (20 credits each):
Research strategies and innovation in BMS
Analytical and diagnostic techniques
Molecular & cellular basis of health and disease
Immunology of human diseases
Recent advances in BMS
Students will undertake one of the following options and take the relevant module from below (20 credits each):
Research project (60 credits)
If you are admitted to the Master's scheme but subsequently are unable or not permitted to progress, you may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards:
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC): No fewer than 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD): No fewer than 120 credits
Master of Science (MSc): No fewer than 180 credits
Candidature for the MSc is two years for full-time and five years for part-time students.
Please note that there is no guarantee that all the options will be offered every year.
Learning & Teaching
A variety of teaching strategies are employed to reflect the following:
the requirements of the particular topic
the existence of background experience within the group
the level and type of study required at level 7
Lectures are the most prevalent teaching method for the introduction to module material, where the major function is to provide a basic framework, to generate interest in the subject concerned and to explain complex points. Lectures are complemented by tutorial sessions designed to encourage a more detailed examination of issues. Students are issued, in their module handbook, with a programme schedule of topics to be covered in lectures and supporting tutorials for all subjects, along with lists of references to guide their supplementary reading. The VLE will also host supporting materials.
Tutorials and related small group work is an important part of teaching and learning. It encourages the depth of discussion and application appropriate to higher degree work. The major aim is to develop skills related to thinking, discussion and presentation of information. It helps to develop analytical and critical appraisal skills.
Practical Work/Demonstration sessions in certain modules, such as Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques, Molecular Biology and the Dissertation, complement and extend the theoretical aspects of study and help to develop the students' skills of investigation, analysis, critical evaluation and reflection.
Case Studies are used throughout the programme as a means of encouraging students to apply their theoretical knowledge of biomedical science to real patients and thus take a holistic view of diagnostic medicine. Real cases are used and students are encouraged to integrate knowledge from a number of modules and to reflect on the possible outcomes
In addition to the contact hours per modules (approx. 40 hours per 20 credit module) the student will be expected to undertake a certain number of student led hours (approx. 160 per 20 credit module) to achieve an overall 200 hours of student effort per 20 credit module.
Academic Support
Students are supported at each stage of learning and assessment. The Programme Director is responsible for overall academic management of the programme and support for the student. Module Leaders are responsible for academic guidance and support for each module offered and for academic feedback on student progress. The Project Manager is responsible for all the process regarding the project work and the dissertation. Personal tutorials will be arranged with your Personal tutor throughout the programme, and if you are experiencing any difficulties with your study for example problems with coursework or preparation for examinations, then there will always be a member of staff - the Programme Director, Module Leader or personal tutor available to assist you.
Assessment
It is recognised that assessment is a necessary part of an evaluation of a student's suitability for an award and involves testing and developing the higher-level cognitive skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. For this reason, assessment is designed to measure the extent to which the student is able to satisfy the intended learning outcome of each module. The learning outcomes are assessed within the modules through a variety of methods including:
unseen examinations
essays
practical based laboratory exercises
laboratory reports
case studies
journal club presentations
oral viva voce
poster presentation
case study presentation
abstract writing and journal article reviews
Time limited examinations are seen as an end of module check on student academic attainment in certain modules where a detailed understanding of contemporary scientific thinking, often research lead, is deemed to be an essential currency.
In addition,
assignments are used either in addition to or as an alternative to written examinations in certain modules where they best reflect breadth of understanding.
The assessment schedule for the taught modules will be supplied by the programme director at the beginning of the programme. The module leader will supply the assessment titles and guidelines/criteria to undertake the assignments and provide feedback to the students.
Employability & Careers
The course will prepare you for the next stage of your career, whether pursuing further research, or professional study, or entering employment in the field of Biomedical Science. The course will also enhance the career prospects of those aspiring to middle and senior management positions within the NHS Pathology Service and the commercial sector.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Applicants should normally have one of the following:
- A first or second class honours degree (1st or 2:1) which has a significant content of biological science
- At least a 60% pass in the Primary (Part I) examination for Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science
- Substantial relevant experience at a senior level.
Selection Procedure:
Usually this is by completion of the appropriate application form. Candidates entering via the exceptional entry route may be required to attend an interview.
Please also include the supporting document listed in the Compulsory Supporting Documents > Postgraduate Courses Tab.
International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the
International pages on the website.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service system. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the
RPL page.
Additional Information
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.
Part-time fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits
Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.
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